IC Police Warn of 'White Van Speaker Scam'

Example of a 2008 Saturn Vue

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By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Jul 8, 2009 at 2:48 PM CST

Story Updated: Jul 8, 2009 at 2:48 PM CST

IOWA CITY - Iowa City police are warning residents about a "white van speaker scam", a scam in which salespeople sell alleged high-end stereo speakers and equipment out of the back of a vehicle, often a nondescript white van or sport utility vehicle.

A man fell victim to this type of scam on Tuesday. He was flagged down in the downtown area by a man trying to sell speakers from a newer light-blue Saturn Vue (see photo) with Illinois license plates. The man agreed to meet in the parking lot of West Bank, on S Dubuque St, so the transaction would be recorded by the banks surveillance system. The two sellers were friendly, wore name tags, and provided contact phone numbers. The two con artists succeeded in convincing the victim to purchase a Divinchi 6-piece stereo system. The packaging indicated a retail price of $1,999. The victim paid $240 for the equipment.

Within an hour of the sale, the victim got a chance to research his purchase. That's when he discovered he had been scammed. The phone numbers given to him by the con artists proved to be bogus.

The suspects are described as follows:
1. Driver - a white male in his twenties with brown hair and numerous tattoos, wearing an orange shirt brown pants, a baseball cap, and "flashy" glasses;
2. A white male in his twenties wearing a baseball cap and "flashy" glasses.

How to Spot It
The salespeople (this scam frequently involves two con artists) often are well-dressed, present themselves as bona-fide company representatives, and appear to have supporting documentation such as business name tags, brochures, and published advertisements.

The stereo components are usually new and in the box. They appear to be high quality, high-performance components. The markings on the packaging usually include a prominently displayed and hugely inflated manufacturer suggested retail price.

The pitch offers a great deal at a fraction of the printed manufacturer suggested retail price because of an inventory error, a model change, or some other fabrication. In reality, the victim receives a lower-end product that has nowhere near the performance capabilities or specifications promised.

Police say the scam often targets malls, colleges, large parking lots, convenience stores, and any other high traffic area frequented by persons with disposable cash.

Area residents and visitors should be aware of this scam. If you suspect this scam is occurring, contact your local law enforcement agency.

Iowa City Area CrimeStoppers is offering a reward of up to $1000 for information leading to the arrest of either of these suspects. Anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact CrimeStoppers at 358-TIPS (8477).

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